Pandemic Effects and Library Directions

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, OCLC has connected with leaders and staff at cultural heritage institutions from around the world to understand how the crisis has impacted them, their institutions, and communities, how they have responded, and how the experiences are shaping their future plans.

In this session, Lynn Silipigni Connaway, PhD, from OCLC Research summarised findings from interviews with 29 library leaders from 11 countries conducted during the height of the pandemic, the themes of which were synthesized in the briefing, The New Model Library: Pandemic Effects and Library Directions.

The session also included an overview and update from Sharon Streams, OCLC project director of the REopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums (REALM) project, which has produced science-based information that helps cultural heritage institutions navigate the uncertainty of the pandemic and better prepare for future public health crises.